A step-by-step guide on painting trim like a pro.
However, the trim must be properly prepared before being painted.
It can also require the removal of old paint or varnish to provide a fresh surface for the finish.
Credit: John Gruen
Be sure to wear protective glasses when stripping, and a dust mask when sanding.
Chemical strippers can contain toxic fumes, so ventilate the room adequately before applying the stripping solution.
Rubber gloves are also a must to keep the chemicals from burning your hands.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
In 1978, legislation banned its use, but your house could still contain lead paint.
Safely secure it to the wall with your desired technique.
This step is only for new trim; skip if you’re painting a room’s existing trim.
Remove furniture from the work area.
Lay down a drop cloth that sits right up against the wall of the area you’ll be painting.
Once all trim is clean, rinse thoroughly with a damp cloth and let the trim dry.
Prior to painting, scuff-sand all glossy surfaces with 120-grit sandpaper.
For flat surfaces, a palm sander orrandom orbital sanderis a great time-saver when sanding.
You want to sand with the grain, changing the sandpaper sheet often as it wears down.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Contoured surfaces are difficult to sand with rectangular sanding blocks because they can gouge the wood.
Useflexible or manual sanding blocksor sanding sponges to smooth these curved surfaces.
If trim was already treated with paint, sand until the surface is no longer shiny.
Credit: Michael Partenio
After scuff sanding, the surface will contain microscopic dust particles left in the grooves by the sandpaper.
Pull these particles off the surface with a soft cloth or sponge dampened in water.
If needed,fill any gaps or cracks with caulk, and let dry.
Start bypriming trim, making sure to prime any stains and spots you’ve filled.
Let dry for 24 hours.
If any spots still show through, apply a second coat of primer and let dry.
Working in sections, paint trim with an angled brush using short brushstrokes.
Repeat this process, working in sections until the entire room is complete.
Let dry completely before you move furniture back into the room.
Should I Paint My Walls or Trim First?
If you are an amateur painter, paint the trim first with a paintbrush, then the walls.
Most professional painters would paint the wall first, then skillfully do the trim.
How to Paint Trims if I Have Carpet?
Then, apply painters tape as instructed above.
That way, youre going to get a neat, close-to-the-surface paint job, without messing up the carpet.
Satin or semi-gloss is the standard paint finish for trim due to its durability.
Satin paint will display a light luster with a soft texture.
In addition, a glossy surface accentuates the woodwork and makes it stand out from the walls.
That contrast between trim and walls adds interest to your design scheme.
Choose trim paint that’s at least one step glossier than the walls.
